Report highlights terror collusion

British security forces colluded in acts of international terrorism in the 1970s, a committee of the Irish parliament has said in a hard-hitting report.

"The spectre of collusion" was present in the attacks investigated by the probe into a series of bomb and gun attacks carried out on both sides of the Irish border by loyalist paramilitaries.

At a press conference in the grounds of the Dail in Dublin, the committee concluded that security force members were involved in the attacks: "We now have enough information to be fully satisfied not only that it (collusion) occurred, but that it was widespread."

It added: "The sub-committee notes that the British cabinet was aware of the level to which the security forces had been infiltrated by terrorists and we believe that its inadequate response to this knowledge permitted the problem to continue and to grow."

Irish premier Bertie Ahern said the findings were very disturbing. "The findings in this report regarding collusion are deeply troubling and a matter of most serious concern. They paint a very disturbing picture," Mr Ahern said.

"We have consistently pressed the British Government for any cooperation they can provide in relation to all of these incidents."

And he said it was absolutely essential the British Government examine the findings of all of the reports on collusion.

Mr Ahern said the terror attacks occurred during a dark and tragic period of Irish history and urged people to think of the victims.

The two governments have been in contact, with Foreign Affairs Minister Dermot Ahern meeting Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain.

Dermot Ahern said: "I advised him of the Irish Government's grave concern at the contents of the report, and of allegations of involvement of members of British security forces in these appalling events. I stressed the importance of full and unfettered British co-operation with the ongoing investigations and inquiries into these matters, as the Government has consistently made clear to the British Government."